Told through the voices of those who lived it - legends like David Kirk, Buck Shelford, John Kirwan, and Grant Fox - By the Balls is more than a sports story. It’s a raw, personal account of a turbulent era when rugby collided head-on with politics, and where teammates were divided by principle, protest, and national expectation.
STREAM 'BY THE BALLS' ON NZR+
From the controversial 1986 Cavaliers tour to the groundbreaking victory in the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup against arch rivals France, the documentary uncovers the personal toll of the era's intense political climate — from tensions on the field and public backlash off it, to deep divisions within the All Blacks camp. Kirk’s reflections on being ostracised by some teammates and Shelford’s unflinching honesty about his decision to tour South Africa offer rare insight into the emotional weight behind the game.
Loaded with unforgettable moments—from gritty match footage to candid interviews - the film paints a vivid portrait of a time when the future of New Zealand rugby, and its moral compass, hung in the balance.
By the Balls is essential viewing - not just for rugby fans, but for anyone interested in how sport can challenge, fracture, and ultimately help heal a nation.
Now streaming on NZR+. Don’t miss it.
